Wentworth Pass

4 hrs

5.1 km Circuit

692 m

Hard track

This walk offers a great way to explore the magical, upper section of the Valley of the Waters. The walk starts and finishes at Conservation Hut, which has a great, picturesque cafe offering a meal or hot drink. The walk passes Empress Falls before diving deeper into the valley, then climbing out again at Wentworth Falls and returning along the plateau.

Conservation Hut

Conservation Hut is a small cafe perched above the Valley of the Waters, Blue Mountains National Park. The hut was opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement. Rebuilt, Conservation Hut opened as a cafe in 1993, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Around the Conservation Hut is a small parking area, public toilets, picnic shelters, town water and B&B’s. For further information or bookings call (02) 4757 3827. More info.

Moderate track

From Conservation Hut, this walk follows the ‘Valley of the Waters’ sign down some timber and dirt steps passing a couple of picnic shelters. The track soon leads to the signposted intersection with the ‘Short Cut Track’ (still in view of the Conservation Hut).Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Valley of the Waters’ sign down the steps, passing an information sign. After the handrail and more signs, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the left, leading to an old picnic area). Further down the steps, the walk comes the end of another handrail and a three-way intersection (signposted ‘Overcliff Track’ and ‘National Pass’).Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘National Pass – Valley of the Waters’ sign down the timber steps. The track passes a few faint tracks (on the left, that lead to an unfenced view point). The walk continues down the steps, soon coming to an unsignposted intersection with the Lyrebird Cliff track (on a small sandstone rock platform).Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with ‘Queen Victoria Lookout’ track.

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Queen Victoria Lookout’ sign down the steps towards the handrail. Soon the track passes a small lookout on the left and, shortly afterwards, the fence leads to the rock platform and fenced ‘Queen Victoria Lookout’. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Queen Victoria Lookout

The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible – the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps away from ‘Queen Victoria Lookout’ keeping the rock face to the right. The track soon passes under a sandstone overhang and then down more steps to come to the fenced and signposted ‘Empress Lookout’.

Empress Lookout

Empress Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, perched on a sandstone overhang above the Valley of the Waters Creek. There is a view down to part of the Empress Falls and into the canyon. The views are filtered through the surrounding trees. It makes for a good spot to catch your breath when walking into, or out of, the Valley of the Waters.

(0.38km) Empress Lookout → Empress Falls Crossing

180 m

6 mins

16m

-34m

Hard track

Turn right: From Empress Lookout, this walk heads down the wooden steps, keeping the handrail and valley to the left. Soon the walk heads downs a series of steep metal staircases that zigzag down the hill. At the bottom of the staircases, the walk follows the handrail through a long sandstone overhang. The track then heads down some steps to come to an intersection with the ‘Nature Track’ and a sign pointing back to ‘National Pass – Tea Rooms’.Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘National Pass – Valley of the Waters’ sign down the lower track (with the valley initially to the right). The walk heads down the steps following the handrail and, soon after the sharp right bend, the walk crosses Isabel Creek using the stepping stones. Soon, the walk heads down a timber staircase, through a sandstone overhang and winds down the stone steps. After passing a great view of Empress Falls, the track crosses the Valley of the Waters Creek in front of Empress Falls using the stepping stones. (These creeks may not be passable after rain)

Empress Falls

Empress Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Valley of the Waters. The Valley of the Water Creek comes out of the slot in the cliff and tumbles down a series of cliffs to a sandy pool. The fall is the site of the last abseil in a popular canyon, making a great site for walkers in the area. Stepping stones help walkers cross below the falls. There is a small overhang next to the falls, giving the area shade and offering a great place to rest.

(0.56km) Empress Falls Crossing → Lodore Falls

70 m

2 mins

0m

-9m

Hard track

Continue straight: From in front of Empress Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek to the left. After passing the ‘Track’ sign (pointing back up to the falls), the walk heads down the steps (with handrail). Soon the steps lead to the base of a wide cascade – Sylvia Falls.
From Sylvia Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek and handrail to the left. Soon after heading down a staircase, the walk comes to a creek crossing at the base of Lodore Falls.

Lodore Falls

Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley.

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Lodore Falls, this walk crosses the Valley Of the Waters Creek, keeping the handrail and main valley to the right (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk then heads down the stairs under a small overhang to soon come to an intersection with Wentworth Pass and a ‘National Pass – Conservation Hut’ sign pointing back up.Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stone steps following the ‘Wentworth Pass’ sign passing the metal railing as the track winds around the side of the hill. The track makes a ‘U’ bend and continues steeply down towards a waterfall, where it crosses at the large rocks to the bush track on the other side. The walk follows this track, passing a sign pointing back to the Conservation Hut, and continues down the valley, winding down rock steps and following the creek (which is visible through the trees to the left) until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Wentworth Pass track.

(0.75km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Wentworth Pass Tracks → Top of the Slack Stairs

1.9 km

1 hr 12 mins

315m

-220m

Hard track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Wentworth Pass’ sign. The track heads down and crosses Valley of the Waters Creek using a couple of old metal bridges. The track continues around and soon widens and heads through the rainforest, with occasional views of the cliffs. Although this track is mostly flat, there are several small but steep sections that involve negotiating large rocks. The walk continues around the hill, scrambling over several small boulders in front of a little waterfall. The track then heads slightly uphill before coming to a very steep, short and rough descent, followed by a short steep climb. The track continues for some time, coming to an intersection and a ‘Wentworth Falls’ sign. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Wentworth Falls’ sign up the hill and steeply up the rough stairs. The stairs soon lead to a small boulder, with a rope installed. The walk scrambles over this boulder, then continues steeply up the metal stairs and soon after comes to an intersection with a the ‘National Pass’ and a sign pointing back down to ‘Wentworth Pass Via Slack Stairs’.

(2.67km) Top of the Slack Stairs → Middle Wentworth Falls

270 m

19 mins

88m

-117m

Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘National Pass – Wentworth Falls’ sign along the upper track. The track soon bends left and picks up a handrail on the right. The track makes its way along the base of the cliff, with great views to Wentworth Falls. Soon the track passes under a low sandstone overhang (be sure to duck), then continues around the side of the valley and, before long, starts to head steeply down a series of stairs. At the bottom of these stairs, the the walk follows the handrail across the rock-platform to to come to the pool and creek crossing (halfway up Wentworth Falls).

Middle of Wentworth Falls

The National Pass crosses Wentworth Falls halfway down its long drop. At this crossing, NPWS have installed sandstone block bridges to improve access for walkers. There are a few side tracks that have been used to explore the area – beware of the slippery rocks and unfenced ledges. There is also a great view into the valley from where the water continues to fall on it long journey further into the valley. This is a lovely spot to cool down on a warm day.

(2.94km) Middle Wentworth Falls → Rocket Point Creek Intersection

330 m

16 mins

98m

-36m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the pool (halfway up Wentworth Falls), this walk cross the creek using the small stone-slab bridges. The track then heads up the rock steps next to the creek, to then turn right and head away from the creek and into the denser forest. The walk follows the stone steps and stepping stones up the hill to soon come to a long flight of stairs, cut into the rock (with a handrail). Here the walk heads up the steep National Pass – about halfway up the steep climb, the walk passes a ‘No Access Cliff Point’ sign and fenced-off area. After the sign, the walk continues to the top of the stairs, where the track flattens out and passes a small, square hole in the rock and wonderful views across the valley and of Wentworth Falls.
The walk then heads up the wooden staircase and through several more sandstone overhangs as it continues to climb up the series of steps. After the walk leaves the main cliff, it comes to an intersection (with a faint track to the right) and a ‘Rocket Point Circuit’ sign, just before a small creek crossing.

Grand Stairway

The Grand Stairway is a very memorable section of the National Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park. The stairway is reported to be ‘the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia’ and was built in the early 1900’s by hand (and dynamite). This stairway, and the rest of the National Pass, was built by a team nicknamed ‘the Irish Brigade’ for the cost of Â£430 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.

(3.27km) Rocket Point Creek Intersection → Top of Wentworth Falls

30 m

1 mins

6m

-2m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk keeps the handrail on the left and cross a small creek using the stepping stones. The track soon leads to a large pool, Queen’s Cascades and a fenced creek crossing, the top of Wentworth Falls.

Queen’s Cascades

are a lovely set of falls on the Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows between the stepping stones, under the fence and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There are also great views to Sublime Point across the valley.

(3.3km) Top of Wentworth Falls → Wentworth Falls Lookout

480 m

12 mins

66m

-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From top of Wentworth Falls, this walk crosses the creek on the stepping stones keeping the view to the left (the creek may be impassable after rain). The walk heads up the log steps (passing some more nice views of Jamison Creek) to soon come to a three-way intersection, with a sign pointing back to ‘Wentworth Falls’ and ‘Wentworth Pass’. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Undercliff Track’ sign, keeping the main valley to the left. The walk soon heads up a gentle set of steps and comes to a four-way intersection with ‘Fletchers Lookout’ (not far to the left). Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Wentworth Falls Picnic area’ sign up the steps, away from ‘Fletchers Lookout’. Soon the track comes to a ‘T’ intersection, with a sign pointing back to ‘Wentworth Falls’.Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Wentworth Falls Picnic Area’ sign up the log steps. The track soon passes some views to the left and then comes to an intersection (at a sharp right-hand bend), with a track closed at the time of writing. Here there is a sign pointing back to ‘Wentworth Falls – National Pass’.Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps, following ‘Wentworth Falls Picnic Area’ signs. The walk soon heads through a sharp left bend, then continues up the hill, passing several information signs. At the top of the steps, the track breaks out to Wentworth Falls Lookout on Sir H. Burrell Drive.

Wentworth Falls Lookout

Wentworth Falls Lookout, in the Blue Mountains National Park, is beside Sir H Burrell Drive. The lookout is fenced and has a large information sign about the area. There are some bench seats and great vistas. There is a view to Wentworth Falls (in the valley to the left), but the most captivating view is across the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary. There are also great views of the Kings Tableland (left), Sublime Point (right) and Narrow Neck (far right) escarpments. This is a great place to enjoy the scope of this World Heritage listed area.

Moderate track

Turn right: From the lookout, this walk crosses Sir H Burrell Dr and heads straight up the log steps. The track soon starts to flatten out but continues gently uphill. The track then opens up to a clearing and an old picnic shelter at the intersection of Falls Rd and Burrell Dr, Wentworth Falls. This is just at the entrance to Wentworth Falls Lookout Picnic Area.

Easy track

Veer left: From the main entrance to Wentworth Falls Picnic Area (at the intersection of Falls Rd and Sir H Burrell Dr), this walk follows the small ‘Pedestrian access to picnic area’ sign (keeping the road up to the right). The track soon passes a sandstone pillar marking an old lookout (still has some views). The track continues down the hill to open up into the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area.Continue straight: From Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, this walk heads past the toilets and then down the steps,coming to the car park on Sir H. Burrell Dr.

Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

The Wentworth Falls Picnic Area is in the Blue Mountains National Park on Sir H Burrell Drive (Wentworth Falls). The picnic area is host to a couple of wonderful lookouts and some good facilities. A large car park, toilets (wheelchair accessible), picnic tables, free electric BBQs, town water and information signs. This is a great spot to relax between walks in the area.

(4.13km) Sir H. Burrell Drive Carpark (Nth) → Conservation Hut

1 km

22 mins

62m

-35m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the ‘Short Cut Track’ sign in the Sir H. Burell Drive car park, this walk follows the sign to ‘Conservation Hut’. The wide track soon turns left and winds through the bush, tending to the left – there are a number of anti-erosion systems in place to step over. In time, the track comes to a four-way intersection intersection, signposted as the ways to ‘Conservation Hut’, ‘Breakfast Pt LO’ or up ‘to Murphys Lane.Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north-west along the flat bush track following the signs to Conservation Hut. Soon the track comes to an intersection with another track (on the left).Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north along the ‘Shortcut’ track, heading away from Wentworth Falls picnic area. Soon the track turns left and crosses a small creek using a bridge. From the creek, the track gradually heads up the hill via log steps. Soon the walk comes to a ‘T’ intersection where there are several signs, including one pointing up towards ‘Conservation Hut’ and another down to the ‘Valley of the Waters’.Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps towards the building. The walk passes a couple of picnic shelters (on the right) before coming to the road and the front of the ‘Conservation Hut’.

Maps for the Wentworth Pass walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Cross sectional view of the Wentworth Pass bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wentworth Pass

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length

5.1 km

Time

4 hrs

.

Grade 4/6

Hard track

AS 2156.1

Gradient

Very steep (4/6)

Quality of track

Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)

Signs

Directional signs along the way (3/6)

Experience Required

Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)

Weather

Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Infrastructure

Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 750m is flat with no steps and the remaining 660m is very steep.

Quality of track

4.5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 450m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (190m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.2km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 2.9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Wentworth Pass walk.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-wp
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.